Riley meets media on Sunday: James Rodgers looking good for Arizona, but there are other bumps and bruises

Thomas Boyd, The OregonianMarkus Wheaton (2) played the game of his career Saturday against ASU, making an impact as a receiver and a kick returner. He returned punts for the first time in his career and he and Jordan Poyer came up huge on special teams in the Beavers' victory.

Riley is impressed with No. 9 Arizona. Said he had been watching some of the Cal-Arizona game, and “boy, they’ve got some speed on defense. A good front, tight coverage, it’s pretty impressive.’’

“I think Mike (Stoops) has done a very, very good job with that program. He’s established an identity down there. They have a system in place,’’ said Riley. “He established the defensive mindset of that team early on and now they’ve got a great QB (Nick Foles) and an offensive mindset, too.’’

OSU stuck Stoops with one of his most disappointing losses as UA coach when the Beavers won 19-17 at Tucson in the last seconds in 2008, so Riley said, “yeah, I imagine it will be a pretty good atmosphere.’’

Riley also pointed out that first-year starting QB Ryan Katz isn’t likely to swoon in Tucson after knocking heads with then-No. 6 TCU and No. 3 Boise on the road.

Riley ran down the injury report: TE Brady Camp has a bruised back (“very stiff today, the best he can do is walk around’’), TE Colby Prince has a sprained foot (“might be doubtful’’) WR James Rodgers (concussion symptoms) ran and caught balls and is looking probable for Arizona, OLB Dwight Roberson (knee strain) questionable, WR Aaron Nichols and RB/special teams Jordan Jenkins both dinged in the head and will go through the same protocols that James Rodgers did last week.

Much praise for safety turned OLB Cameron Collins, who made some outstanding plays in the ASU game. “I think he’s getting more and more comfortable there, and that’s a great sign for the Beavers,’’ said Riley, noting that in passing situations, Collins’ OLB spot becomes a nickel spot.

“He just looked fast (covering ASU’s out patterns), which was nice to see,’’ said Riley.

Riley said he isn’t worried about Katz fixating on James Rodgers, should he play in Tucson, and neglecting the spread-it-around approach that was so successful vs. ASU with eight different players catching passes. “I’m worried more about him continuing to grow,’’ said Riley.

Riley said potential issue with OLB playing time (Roberson or Collins?) actually more a blessing. “The more good athletes we have that are healthy, the more versatile we will be,’’ said the coach.

Some discussion about senior cornerback James Dockery, who has maintained a very aggressive approach, even if it seems the officials target him sometimes. “It’s very important for a corner to remain resilient and not back off. They’ve got to be very, very tough minded people,’’ said Riley.

Riley said he didn’t realize OSU hadn’t opened Pac-10 play with a win since 2003. He also did not have much to say about this sub-.500 after September and then take off in Oct., Nov., Dec. story angle.

"We are where we are right now,’’ he said.

Riley still upset about 12 men in huddle and some of the procedural snafus in the game. “That was a mess, and we had to use a timeout for that,’’ he said. “I hope it never happens again.’’

Coach said there was “a big meeting on procedural stuff today.’’

Riley talked of OSU going with "10 new starters'' on special teams Saturday, which made us all jump. That many? Riley explained: with injuries a factor and some special teams stalwarts like Collins and S Suaesi Tuimaunei playing full-time roles, other players had to step up, said Riley. That meant Jordan Poyer and Markus Wheaton had to be huge in the return game, backup TB Jordan Jenkins became a starting wing on the punt return team, backup TB Ryan McCants found himself on the KO cover team, and LB Michael Doctor subbed for Roberson on the kickoff team. ... other names who played prominent roles on special teams were Josh LaGrone and Zane Norris, said Riley. "We're trying to incorporate more people.''

NCAA, Pac-10 stat rundown: OSU improved its standing in several FBS categories after the ASU game but the numbers are nothing to brag about: the Beavers went from 101st to 92nd in rushing offense, from 101st to 87th in passing offense, and from 113th to 99th in total offense. OSU is last in the Pac-10 in total offense (306.75 yards per game). … on defense, the Beavers went from 108th last week to 105th this week, with a still-unsightly 434.75 yards per game mark that is No. 8 in the conference. … in rushing defense, an area in which the Beavers have prided themselves, OSU is No. 8 in the Pac-10 and 100th nationally, giving up 194.75 yards per game. … OSU has been very good on special teams and this week ranks No. 3 nationally in punt returns (21.30 yards per return), No. 7 in kickoff returns (27 yards per return), and No. 2 in turnover margin. … the Beavers are the only FBS team without a turnover this season.

Individually, James Rodgers – who didn’t play in the ASU game – is No. 1 in the conference and No. 4 nationally in all-purpose yards at 184.33 per game. … tailback Jacquizz Rodgers has moved up to No. 5 in Pac-10 rushing (99.50 yards per game) but is well behind Pac-10 leader (and No. 2 NCAA) LaMichael James of Oregon (178.00). … Quizz and James are tied for third in Pac-10 scoring with seven touchdowns apiece. … OSU OLB Dwight Roberson – who didn’t play in the ASU game because of a knee strain – is No. 2 in tackles in the conference at 10.67 per game. … DT Stephen Paea is tied for third in the conference in sacks, with three. … and cornerback James Dockery’s three interceptions are the second-most among FBS players.